Special public meeting – discover how to stop the supersized digester plant

A few months ago, Bath and North East Somerset Council’s Planning Committee unanimously rejected a planning application to build a supersized anaerobic digester plant, south east of Compton Dando as you head to Keynsham.  This decision was welcomed not only by residents but also councillors from all parties, the local Conservative MP and the Labour West of England Metro Mayor.

Unfortunately, that is not the end of the matter because the developer, Resourceful Energy Anaerobic Limited (REAL), have lodged an appeal against that overwhelming democratic decision.  A renewed campaign to counter the developer’s attempt to override local democracy is now needed.  This is being led by Protect Our Keynsham Environment (POKE) – the group behind the highly successful campaign to oppose this development at the earlier planning stage.  POKE have already got off to a flying start, calling for money to fight the appeal at a 3-week public planning inquiry starting in October 2022.

POKE is holding a residents meeting on Monday, 27^th June at Compton Dando Hall from 7pm to 8pm to provide an update of what POKE has done so far, what they intend to do to fight the appeal and what you and the public can do to help.  The meeting will include a question-and-answer session where representatives of POKE and your local councillors will reply.

Kerry Morgan of POKE said: “The public have been brilliant in their support of POKE as we fight to stop this supersized anaerobic digester.  Local politicians of all hues have also stepped-up to oppose this inappropriate power station in the heart of our irreplaceable Green Belt.  We have successfully resisted the developer up-to-now, but we are redoubling our efforts in light of the appeal.  It is a fight we have to win or Compton Dando will be changed for the worse for ever.”

Ward Councillor Alastair Singleton, said: “This is an important meeting and I thank POKE for setting it up.  It is an excellent opportunity for local people to learn about the current situation, and how they can best play a part in the campaign to fight this appeal.  To achieve success, affected communities need to come together and present a united front.”

POKE spokesperson Kerry Morgan added: “If the development were to go ahead, there will be around 28,500 extra two-way HGV movements every year – meaning more noise, traffic and pollution!”

Exhibition/Floral Display and Teas

Our Jubilee week begins on Thursday 2nd June with an tribute exhibition in Church and floral displays. Teas will be served from 2.30pm to 5pm. The exhibition and teas will also run on Friday and Saturday 3rd and 4th June again 2.30pm to 5pm. Please note there will be no Church Teas on Sunday 5th June.

Sunday 5th June

There will be a celebration service at St Mary’s Church at 11.15am to mark the 70 year reign of our beloved Queen.

Village Picnic

Please join us at 1pm on Sunday on the Millennium Green (opposite the Compton Inn) for a  village picnic to mark our Queen’s Platinum jubilee. Please bring your own picnic, drinks, seats and rugs and any ideas you might have to celebrate this occasion.

We look forward to seeing you at all or some of these events, we will not have a platinum Jubilee again for a very long time so lets make it a good celebration!